HALTON'S health chiefs have hailed the success of this year's winter flu campaign after a reported increase in the number of people choosing to take up the jab.

Figures released over the past fortnight reveal more older people are now opting to get themselves vaccinated compared with last winter.

Experts admit people last year failed to follow Government health recommendations for the borough, but are now hitting national targets.

Research into the flu jab uptake to the end of December shows 70.2% of older people in Halton have been vaccinated.

These results are slightly higher than the Department of Health's national target, which was for 70% of people aged 65 and over to have accessed their flu vaccination by the end of last month.

Dr Daniel Seddon, Halton's director of public health, said: 'We are pleased that the annual flu vaccination now appears to be widely accepted by older people as a safe and effective method of keeping well during the winter months.

'However, we would urge anyone who has not yet had their flu jab to make an appointment with their GP practice as quickly as possible.

'Free vaccinations were given out until the end of January, but flu remains a potential threat to your health well into the spring.'

For more advice or information about immunisation, contact your GP, ring NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or visit www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk